Anti-Lead Law Doesn't Apply Only to Books

A law that took effect in February restricts the lead content in products designed for children age 12 and younger to 600 parts per million by weight. In August that figure drops to 300 parts per million. It is the responsibility of the producer or distributor to prove that the products meet the standard. Among the items affected:

Cribs and strollers

Board games and toys

Jewelry

Dolls

Bicycles and all-terrain vehicles

Children's books

The law also bans phthalates, chemicals used to soften plastics, which can be absorbed through the mouth or skin and can interfere with reproductive hormones. Some products that have used phthalates include: